Yi sprains knee but reassures fans he'll be fine for Olympics

WASHINGTON: Yi Jianlian sprained his left knee in a National Basketball Association game on Wednesday but told Chinese fans not to lose sleep worrying about whether he would be ready for the Beijing Olympics.

Yi played only five minutes and 40 seconds before suffering the injury 3:03 into the second quarter when he was struck on the outside of the knee while battling for a rebound in the Bucks' 110-109 victory over the Washington Wizards.

"Someone was chipping in. They hit my knee and it twisted a little bit," Yi said.

"Then I felt a little pop and I tried to run on it and I felt pain. I just can't put a lot of pressure on it."

An MRI exam scheduled on Thursday was expected to provide more details of the injury, but China fans are already nervous after a season-ending broken left foot sidelined Houston star Yao Ming, who vows to be ready to play for China in August.

Yi said he has never hurt the knee before, but the 20-year-old from Shenzhen was optimistic when asked if Chinese fans could rest easily about his ability to play in the Olympics in four months.

"I doubt it's really that serious," Yi said. "But what I have to do is wait until the doctor gives his report."

Yi was sidelined for six games last month by a right wrist sprain and a left ankle sprain.

"I have had injuries before this year, but they weren't really that serious," Yi said.

Yi has never before played so many games in a season. The Chinese Basketball Association plays about half of an NBA-length season and is less demanding in intensity than the elite US league of global stars.

"The NBA is a lot stronger than the CBA. The games have a greater degree of difficulty," Yi said. "Of course there are some differences - the physical nature of the game, the different basketball culture, the level of the players, the schedule of the NBA is twice as many games.

"The NBA sets the standard for worldwide basketball. The NBA is a big international league. I have gotten used to it and can show my abilities more."

While averaging 8.7 points and 5.3 rebounds over 66 games, Yi has become fitter, faster and more aggressive. The sixth overall pick in last year's NBA draft spoke with confidence about his NBA and Olympic future before the injury.

"I feel stronger than before and I'm more experienced," Yi said. "I just hope I can improve all-around for next season. I hope my performance will be a little more stable from game to game.

"I want to pick my game up a level. In my first season I ran into a lot of things I had no understanding about. Now I have learned a lot of things. I feel more prepared for next season."

One adjustment Yi dislikes is losing. The Bucks are 26-48 and all-but out of the playoff race.

"It sucks. But we are professional players. We have to keep our heads up and push through it. This season isn't that good but we still have to prepare for next season."

Yi is also preparing for the Olympics and hoping that his national team will shine on the global stage.

"I'm looking forward to it excitedly and with confidence. Every Chinese person is looking forward to it. The whole world is coming to play. It's like a worldwide party in front of their homes."

Yi's NBA experience should make him a crucial leader for the team.

"I look at it as just my first year in the NBA," Yi said. "I'm hoping to bring my experience and what I have learned to help my team to the best of my ability. I hope the Chinese team will have great success in all its games."

AFP

(China Daily 04/04/2008 page23)